Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano with William Murdoch's "The Complete Columbia Solo Electrical Recordings." This meticulously compiled album spans the years 1925 to 1931, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry of one of the era's most distinguished pianists. With 43 tracks spanning over two and a half hours, this collection is a treasure trove of musical masterpieces, showcasing Murdoch's unparalleled skill and deep emotional resonance.
The album features a diverse array of compositions, from the lyrical beauty of Mendelssohn's "Songs Without Words" to the fiery virtuosity of Liszt's "Grandes études de Paganini." Murdoch's interpretations of Chopin's preludes and Debussy's "Préludes" are particularly noteworthy, revealing a pianist of profound sensitivity and technical brilliance. The inclusion of works by Brahms, Schubert, and Beethoven further underscores the breadth of Murdoch's repertoire and his ability to breathe new life into these timeless classics.
Recorded during the early days of electrical recording, these performances capture the essence of Murdoch's playing with remarkable clarity and depth. The remastered sound quality ensures that every nuance and subtlety of his interpretations is preserved, providing a listening experience that is as close to the original performances as possible.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Complete Columbia Solo Electrical Recordings" offers a rich and rewarding journey through some of the most beloved works in the piano repertoire. William Murdoch's artistry shines through in every note, making this album a testament to the enduring power of classical music.
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Tracks
Songs Without Words, Book 3, Op. 38: No. 6 in A-Flat Major, MWV U 119 "Duetto"Felix Mendelssohn, William Murdoch
Songs Without Words, Book 5, Op. 62: No. 6 in A Major, MWV U 161 "Spring Song"Felix Mendelssohn, William Murdoch
Études, Op. 25: No. 1 in A-Flat Major "Aeolian Harp"Frédéric Chopin, William Murdoch
Waltzes, Op. 34: No. 3 in F MajorFelix Mendelssohn, William Murdoch
Berceuse in D-Flat Major, Op. 57Felix Mendelssohn, William Murdoch
Ballade No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 47Felix Mendelssohn, William Murdoch
3 Romanzen, Op. 28: No. 2 in F-Sharp MinorRobert Schumann, William Murdoch
Liebesträume, S. 541: No. 3, Oh Lieb, so lang du lieben kannst (After S. 298)Franz Liszt, William Murdoch
Grandes études de Paganini, S. 141: No. 3, La campanella (After Paganini's Op. 7)Franz Liszt, William Murdoch
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 in C-Sharp Minor, S. 244Franz Liszt, William Murdoch
12 Lieder von Franz Schubert, S. 558: No. 9, Ständchen von Shakespeare (After Schubert's D. 889)Franz Liszt, William Murdoch
3 Marches militaires, Op. 51, D. 733: No. 1 in D Major (Arr. C. Tausig for Piano Solo)Franz Schubert, William Murdoch
16 Waltzes, Op. 39: No. 15 in A-Flat Major (Version for Solo Piano)Johannes Brahms, William Murdoch
Humoresques de concert, Op. 14: No. 1, Minuet in G MajorIgnacy Jan Paderewski, William Murdoch
Scenes of Country Life, Op. 19: No. 2, Norwegian Bridal ProcessionEdvard Grieg, William Murdoch
Kuolema, Op. 44: II. Valse triste (Arr. for Piano Solo)Jean Sibelius, William Murdoch
Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3: II. Prelude in C-Sharp Minor "The Bells of Moscow" (1926 Recording)Sergei Rachmaninoff, William Murdoch
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 5 in G MinorSergei Rachmaninoff, William Murdoch
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 12 in G-Sharp MinorSergei Rachmaninoff, William Murdoch
Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3: II. Prelude in C-Sharp Minor "The Bells of Moscow" (1931 Recording)Sergei Rachmaninoff, William Murdoch
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, William Murdoch
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, William Murdoch
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, William Murdoch
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata": I. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, William Murdoch
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata": II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, William Murdoch
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata": III. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, William Murdoch
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 (Arr. F. Busoni for Piano Solo)Johann Sebastian Bach, William Murdoch
Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: No. 5, Les collines d'AnacapriClaude Debussy, William Murdoch
Préludes, Book 2, L. 123: No. 5, BruyèresClaude Debussy, William Murdoch
Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: No. 12, MinstrelsClaude Debussy, William Murdoch
Iberia, B. 47, Book 1: No. 2, El puertoIsaac Albéniz, William Murdoch
4 Piezas españolas (Excerpts): No. 2, CubanaManuel de Falla, William Murdoch
4 Piezas españolas (Excerpts): No. 4, AndaluzaManuel de Falla, William Murdoch
Miniature ScherzoAdam Carse, William Murdoch
Sun and ShadeRichard Walthew, William Murdoch
Dew FairiesThomas Dunhill, William Murdoch
LegendErnest Markham Lee, William Murdoch
Le bal poudre, Op. 54Orlando Morgan, William Murdoch
The Rambling SailorAlec Rowley, William Murdoch
SerenataFelix Swinstead, William Murdoch
Primrose MountGeorge Dyson, William Murdoch
Reverie in B Major, Op. 86York Bowen, William Murdoch
Piano Sonatina: III. Rondo. Ritmico, non troppo allegroJohn Ireland, William Murdoch